What is surprising is that the speakers did not seem interested in what is/ has went on to get us here, but to complain about individual water/sewer bills. Accept the absolute need for the Rate Increase just want it smaller. Sad so many are so uninformed and unwilling to learn?
When it finally got to the Council speaking their minds, what should have been a very, very short comment period by them because of lack of capacity turned in to a rather long session of History for the MOV and Vienna up to and including as one person said to me "the old Bull got worked up tonight"? He was referring to Mr. Rogers who threw a fit when the way the process was going was brought up on the increase? You were not allowed to see it in the Media because Mr. Greenfield packed up his camera at 8:30 and hit the bricks.
But the most pathetic part was Mr. Leach doing two things:
1. Calling his wife to the front just before the meeting and having his wife sign up to speak in favor of the increase although she clearly had trouble repeating what it was she was supposed to say? Still she did her part well under the short time frame allowed I believe for preparation and I feel a MOV Mayor's Association Award in store for her fine presentation?
2. Mr. Leach getting all misty eyed at wanting his children to live in Vienna instead of where ever they are now? Thought he had one piled up here now as a Gentleman Hemp Farmer? He was not happy they were wherever earning their way? It seemed to cause him so much pain that if the increase did not get passed and great things happen here for a lousy $12.00, then we should vote him out of office? Allow me say "Hear, Hear", to him on that. He is such a lousy Council Member with his only interest being the Johns Manville Project that he should just have did Pro Bono work for Mr. Rapp and possibly allow someone to have that seat who may, just may have cared for something here besides his Resume, his kids and his own self interest? In some imagined way that by saddling the people in Vienna with millions in new costs, he can bring his kids home? He is so pathetic as a Politician that he should also be in line for a MOV Mayor's Association Award too. He is a Rappite to the core as sad as you may find it? And, He could just RESIGN?
But than we get to Mr. Rogers who must have spent 20 minutes going back over his History in the MOV/ Vienna. I could almost hear the caissons rolling by outside as he allegedly talked about being here so long that he was an ammo boy for the original Carlin's Battery D in the day. In Truth, not really that far back, but still think I heard a lot of rumbling and clanking outside? Maybe, it was just a WWII Tank?
Someone asked me about 5 minutes into his dialogue if he was making a point? I said "No". And the speech continued for even longer and I was than asked if he was just wasting time to get people to leave? I said "Yes", as one's and two's began walking out of the meeting. And finally, I was asked if he was ever going to make a point? I said "No". But I must give him full credit as he will give Ms. Leach a run for "Best Supporting Speaker in a Vienna City Council Meeting, be they Public or Private" as defined by the MOV Mayor's Association? Hers for Brevity; his for longevity, but still both remarkable in their deliveries.
The dog and pony show went on for quite awhile. Surprisingly Mr. Metz was a no show and not so much of a surprise Mr. Barr missed again. I guess no pay, no play?
There were some surprises as Mr. Conley voiced his displeasure at nothing but increases and no cost containments when he should have known they could and would not be part of the issue at that meeting. Than Mr. Elam began to voice his concerns also on the spending. But once again, when they should have been reading the fine print last January/ March, they just watched another bloated and wasteful Budget get approved for the City. This followed by what went on in June for the VUB. While appearing to be watching, that is all they are doing. Too little, too late and the band plays on.
But than came of all people, Mr. Bibbee, who was again not happy with what was happening and voiced his unhappiness with how it was playing out. This increase was decided AND approved in a Defacto Vote at the VUB meeting the day before. Three of the four votes to pass it were and in agreement even if our Ms. Smith was only there as a "Council Member".
But the lies continued also; Mr. Rapp said the VUB passed a Resolution- BULL S***. They at the insistence of Ms. Smith made and passed a "MOTION" approving the initial set of increase numbers. Anyone telling you anything else, I am telling you they are lying through their teeth natural or City paid. The meeting Thursday was a façade, a joke, a scam. No matter how badly the old folks complained about their bills, it was just letting them blow off steam while using them as tools/ props/ scenery for the Play in motion.
It was called a "Public Forum", but one had to get prior approval as Ms. Metz and Mr. Brookover OR sign up on a roster before the meeting. A Public Forum in a real setting is just that, anyone who wishes to speak can do so by raising their hand during the beginning of the Meeting. This is again, just a slap in the face to the First Amendment by the City of Vienna Progressive Liberal Party controlling Free Speech.
I will note that the item for the discussion on the Road Bond Initiative was pulled. This was I would suspect that it may not have had the Votes Mr. Rapp wanted so a decision to pull it? Or the fact that P'burg covered it well on "why even on the Agenda"? We have enough City problems that we don't need to be involved in State issues.
And the Ordinance on Tarot, Palm Reading and Fortune Telling to name a few items came up as the lady from P'burg who said she also did it here and in Williamstown said she had, had to stop when she found out it was illegal here. She as would be expected quoted the First Amendment Right, but I do not know how that could be when the First Amendment does not really exist in Vienna? She must have gotten Democracy/ Republic mixed up with Socialism/ Fascism/ Progressive Liberalism? 'nuff said'.